Car troubles can creep up on you at any time, in a range of situation. Even well maintained vehicles on the road can get into an accident or have an unexpected break down. When you find yourself in such an unpleasant situation, you’ll have to consider many decisions, with one of them being, “Should I tow or drive my car to the San Diego auto repair shop?”
It is a difficult question to answer in part because there are likely many adrenaline-fueled thoughts running through your mind. First, if your vehicle was in a minor accident, you will have to determine whether you or anybody else was hurt. Next you’ll probably have to call your insurance and discuss the situation with the agent. This can add a layer of anxiety to an already stressful situation when you learn about costs, what’s covered by your insurance, what’s not, etc.
Needed Auto Repair: How to Know Whether to Drive or Tow?
It is during this time of heighted stress and agitation that you’ll have to evaluate the state of the vehicle and determine whether or not it is drivable. If the car cannot be started and you’ve waited and tried a few times, then you don’t have much of options but to have it towed. But there are many grey, in-between situations where it may be unclear whether or not to tow or drive your vehicle to an auto repair shop.
When a Tow to an Auto Repair Shop Is Strongly Suggested:
- You See Smoke – If you see steam, which can look like smoke, coming out from under the hood, you should pull the vehicle over as soon as it is safe to do so. Turn off the vehicle and lift the hood to give the engine a chance to cool down. Steam erupting from the engine area is a sign that the vehicle is overheating – the temperature gauge on the dash should indicate this as well.
It is dangerous – and very damaging to your car – to continue driving it during this time. This is why it’s advised to tow the car to an auto repair shop. In addition to cooling system repair, you could be looking at major engine repair if you continue to drive the vehicle without a way to cool it. The cost of a tow becomes almost negligible.
- Flashing Dashboard Lights – Many years ago, a check engine light signaled serious auto repair. For better or worse, this is no longer the case and such a light may indicate a problem as minor as a loose gas cap. That being said, if your check engine light is on and it’s accompanied by a flashing oil pressure light, that’s a clear sign something is amiss and car repair is likely needed. This situation indicates low or very low oil levels which could cause engine seizure, a most serious engine repair if not addressed right away.
- Grinding Sounds Coming from the Brake – If you hear a harsh metal on metal grating sound when you step on the pedal, this is a red flag that you need brake repair right away. In fact, it is outright dangerous to drive the car in this situation. This level of brake repair may require replacement of the rotors in addition to the brake pads because they’ve been worn to the very very nubs. Driving on brakes in this poor condition could also damage the larger suspension system.
- Sniff, Sniff, Something’s Burning – Strong burning odors coming from the engine area might not always be accompanied by the sight of smoke. Yet the smell of burning oil should signal that something very serious is wrong with your vehicle. It could be low on oil or oil could be leaking and burning onto the engine mount. Transmission fluid could also be leaking and burning on the mount, a bad sign. The more you drive your car in this condition, the more damage you’re doing to it. Engine repair or transmission repair will likely be needed immediately. In this case, tow and don’t drive your vehicle to an auto repair shop.
There are of course times when a tow may not be necessary. If you get a flat tire and can correctly put the spare on, you should be good to drive it to an auto repair shop for replacement, provided one is nearby. If your car stalls and you’re able to jump it or start it up again, you can drive it yourself and save yourself the hassles of a tow. But if the vehicle is unsafe to drive or you’re really not sure, a tow may be called for.
So while no one wants to have their vehicle towed, it is a necessity most car drivers will face at some point in their lives. Take comfort in knowing that the cost of a tow is usually less than the cost of auto repair expenses you would have incurred driving on damaged vehicle components. Towing a vehicle often costs less than paying for additional auto repair that was caused by not towing the vehicle and insisting on driving it.
